The Detroit Lions are in a great spot heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. They were on the cusp of being a playoff team in 2022, going 9-8 and losing the tiebreaker. But, because of the trade they made with the Los Angeles Rams two years ago centered around Matthew Stafford, they will have a top-10 pick this year.
Detroit will be selecting No. 6 overall courtesy of the Rams and No. 18 with their pick. That is two chances for the team to add impact players to their rapidly improving roster after addressing multiple needs in free agency.
Because of the extra draft capital, the Lions are a team to keep an eye on for making what some would consider an outside-the-box selection. The position such a selection could be made is quarterback.
Detroit has Jared Goff under center, who has proven to be more than serviceable as a starter. He had a wonderful 2022 season, earning a Pro Bowl nod in the process. But, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell has not ruled out the possibility of selecting a quarterback in this year’s draft. Could that quarterback be Hendon Hooker out of Tennessee?
The Lions are set to host Hooker today for a top-30 visit. His draft stock has been soaring recently, as there is a real chance that he is selected in the back half of the first round on April 27th. In addition to Detroit, Hooker has met with the New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Armed with the Nos. 48 and 55 picks in the draft as well, Detroit could certainly take a chance on Hooker should he be on the board when they come on the clock. The No. 18 overall pick could be a little high to select Hooker, especially with other more pressing needs on the roster, but if Detroit trades down into the 20s, he would be a plausible target.
Before tearing his ACL in November, the Volunteers’ star was considered among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. He ended up finishing fifth, completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions. Hooker is a little older than the other prospects, as he is already 25, but his skill set and production in college are more than enough to have teams considering him a first-round prospect.
